Syngonium or Arrowhead plant

Syngonium plant scientifically known as Syngonium podophyllum is a beautiful houseplant and also acts as an air purifier. The common name of this plant is arrowhead (vine or plant) and goosefoot. Syngonium is a fast-growing tropical plant that has variegated green and white leaves when grown indoor and large green leaf when grown outdoors. This plant mainly grows on moist and shady conditions on fertile soil.

Habitat

Syngonium grows specifically in a moist shady place with a good amount of aeration.

Mode of propagation

Syngonium propagated mainly via the vegetative method of cutting as of this process stem segments with few leaves are cut and then placed on moist soil for a few days till it develops roots. Syngonium is mainly a climber or creeper in its nature, therefore, the stem of this plant develops root whenever it touches the soil.

Uses

Syngonium is a beautiful foliage plant having arrow-shaped leaves. It can be used as a garden plant and also as an indoor house plant. The leaves of these plants are very beautiful and have a variegated pattern of cream white and green color. The plant gives a good lush green look to the indoor environment.

Syngonium plant is an air purifier

Syngonium podophyllum also acts as an excellent air purifier. A study was done in the year 2013 it was found that the plant Syngonium removes benzene and formaldehyde from the indoor environments.

Benzene is one of the major VOCs released and pollutes the indoor air, main sources include attached garages, automobile exhaust, heating and cooking systems of the houses and many solvents. Formaldehyde is also another indoor air pollutant emitted from smoking, candles, incense, cosmetics, wall paints, etc.

How to take care of Syngonium plant

Syngonium plant requires low to medium light therefore direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided. The soil should be rich in humus along with good draining and aerating capacity. The soil should be moist for the better growth of the plant. Water daily or alternate day depending upon the temperature of the environment. Use liquid fertilizer for good growth. Regular misting is required during dry weather otherwise normal misting once in two or three days is enough for its proper and healthy growth.